University of Alabama Hospital (Birmingham) Program

Overview of the Laboratory Genetics and Genomics Fellowship

The Laboratory Genetics and Genomics (LGG) fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a comprehensive three-year program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This program is designed for MD, DO, or PhD candidates focused on medical genetics and clinical laboratory medicine. The fellowship provides specialized postdoctoral training that prepares fellows for board eligibility in the LGG specialty.

Core components of the LGG fellowship include a range of clinical laboratory operations experiences, which encompass prenatal, postnatal, carrier, and somatic testing, as well as report writing, troubleshooting, lab certification processes (e.g., CAP and CLIA), and new test development. Fellows will receive extensive training in both cytogenetic and molecular diagnostic techniques, including karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), chromosomal microarray (CMA), multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), Sanger sequencing, and Next-Generation sequencing (NGS). Additionally, fellows will rotate through the UAB Biochemical Genetics lab to gain insights into biochemical techniques.

Clinical Rotations and Laboratories

Fellows will have rotations in various genetics clinics, including pediatric, adult, prenatal, and cancer genetics clinics at UAB Hospital and Children’s of Alabama (COA) Hospital. This rotation exposes fellows to a diverse patient population and clinical scenarios, enhancing their diagnostic and clinical skills. The opportunity to develop and validate new clinical tests is an integral part of the fellowship, alongside participation in ongoing research projects aimed at advancing the field of genetics.

Training and Management Exposure

Fellows will gain insights into the management aspects of clinical laboratories, learning about laboratory regulatory issues, quality control procedures, test validations, and lab information systems. This robust training equips fellows with the necessary skills for future leadership roles within clinical genetics laboratories.

Application Requirements

To be eligible for the LGG training program, applicants must possess an MD, DO, or PhD degree, with the PhD ideally in genetics or a related field. All candidates with international degrees must seek approval from the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG) Credentials Committee before the start of the fellowship to validate the equivalency of their qualifications. Applicant eligibility includes the necessity of being a U.S. Citizen, noncitizen national, or holding permanent U.S. resident status or a valid work visa.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit several key documents as part of their application, including a current curriculum vitae, a cover letter detailing relevant experiences and interests, two letters of reference, and, for those with international credentials, the ABMGG Credentials Review Committee approval letter.

Visa Support and Requirements

The LGG program provides support for visa applications. Accepted fellows can be eligible for various visa types, including non-immigrant work visas, provided they have the necessary documentation confirming their training position.

Competitiveness

The Laboratory Genetics and Genomics fellowship at UAB is competitive, welcoming both DO and international medical graduates (IMGs), which enhances its diversity and educational environment. The program attracts applicants with strong academic records and relevant research and clinical experiences in genetics.

Compensation and Benefits

Fellows accepted into the UAB LGG training program receive a competitive salary according to the NIH stipend guidelines along with a comprehensive benefits package that supports their well-being and professional advancement.